It was a steamy night in Charlotte as 311 made a summer stop at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Ampitheatre on their Unity Tour bringing Danish rockers New Politics along for the ride. For once, the weather would be cooperative and fans would get
to enjoy an evening of music without being poured on. Those that arrived early were treated to a fantastic opening set from New Politics that had the venue on their feet. The three piece rockers are a lively bunch to say the least and they tore up
the ampitheatre stage in rare form. Drummer Louis Vecchio was standing and egging the fans on as guitarist Soren Hansen zoomed across the stage as he played. The highlight of their set occurred during their cover of “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys
when frontman David Boyd really kicked things up a notch. Despite the concrete stage, Boyd was doing flips, handstands, and breakdancing at a frenzied pace. It was an incredible spectacle of acrobatics and dance which took the performance to an
entirely different level. These guys really know how to rock and by the end of their set they were drenched in sweat as the audience roared its appreciation. It would be a difficult act for any band to have to follow.

As night fell, 311 took the stage and began their own high intensity set. This soon was a night fans would not forget as the band was in top form performing 24 songs including eight off the new album “Mosiac” and all the requisite fan favorites. 311’s unique blend of rock, reggae, and hip-hop is something special and the crowd was totally in the moment as they jumped and danced in the aisles and on the lawn all evening long. Vocalists Nick Hexum and Doug “SA” Martinez sounded as good as ever as they traded off throughout the set. One of the highlights of their set was a wicked bass solo from Aaron “P-Nut” Wills which had the entire venue shouting “P-Nut! P-Nut!” The stage featured an LED light screen which changed colors and designs with drummer Chad Sexton’s kit on a riser beneath it. Lead guitarist Tim Mahoney was on point providing riff after riff but chose to stay mostly in the background as his fellow bandmates played to the crowd. During “Applied Science,” Chad got a chance for a drum solo as well as the entire band which took participated on drums. The band closed out their regular set with a ripping version of their biggest hit “Down” from their debut album before returning for a three song encore that left the audience begging for more.

It was a great night of rock in the Queen City as both 311 and New Politics gave us the show of the summer. Don’t miss your chance to check out the Unity Tour when it makes a stop in your town.

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I am a small business owner, freelance writer, and part-time piano instructor in Charlotte, NC. My musical career started at the age of five when I was forced into taking piano lessons. I played flute in the school band and added the guitar as a young teen. There is nothing I would rather do than be at a live show. My first concert was Shaun Cassidy at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo in 1978.
My top five live shows ever are:
1. Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band – Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY 1984- They played for 3 ½ hours and it was awesome.
2. Carolina Rebellion- Metrolina Expo Grounds, Charlotte, NC, May, 2011 – The first ever Carolina Rebellion featured over 15 bands with Avenged Sevenfold headlining. Non-stop music for over 12 hours.
3. Chevelle- Food Lion Speed Street, Charlotte, NC, May, 2008 - The first time I ever saw Chevelle live and I was hooked!
4. Skillet with Red- Bojangle’s Coliseum, Charlotte, NC, April, 2010 – Skillet is one of my favorite bands and they totally kick it live.
5. 106.5 The End’s Weenie Roast #9- Verizon Wireless Amiptheater, Charlotte, NC , October, 2003- Featured Staind, Shinedown, Three Days Grace.

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